.http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/imag...pan_2011_2.jpgJizo Bodhisattva is a beloved figure in Japanese Buddhism, and statues of him can often be seen along roads to protect travelers, in temple grounds and cemeteries. He is a figure of Compassion, much as Kannon, who travels anywhere from heaven to hell to help those in need ... especially those who find themselves in a hell of their own making by Greed, Anger and Ignorance.

Jizo has become known over the centuries as a protector of children and women, including expectant mothers. Most of all, he is the protector of deceased children, including stillborn, miscarried or aborted infants. He is thought to protect them in the 'other world', nursing and soothing them, guiding them back for another chance to be born in this world when the time is right. For that reason, he is often seen by the hundreds in cemeteries dressed in children's clothes and a bib, surrounded by toys and dolls.

Thank you for this, especially when you talked about Jizo being the protector of children.

Thanks,
Jodi

05-18-2011, 12:48 PM

Myoku

Re: Whattsa Who'sa Bodhisattva? - Kshitigarbha (Jizo)

Thank you Jundo,
nice and cute guy, this Jizo :)
_()_
Peter

05-18-2011, 07:24 PM

Kaishin

Re: Whattsa Who'sa Bodhisattva? - Kshitigarbha (Jizo)

I had emailed Jundo about the status of Bodhisattvas in the West (particularly the US), because the idea of them and especially the physical icons was strange to me. One of my questions was how this all translates overseas, since so much of this in Japan seems to be steeped in the ancient animist folk relgions mixed with Buddhist teachings.

I came across this book on Amazon, and the preview (click the picture of the book) will actually let you read the first few pages. They discuss the fact that there aren't really any of these "Jizo gardens" in the US, save for the first of its kind in Oregon.

Thought this might interest others. Now that I have two small children, I've been thinking more about how to incorporate elements of Buddhism in their lives, and Jizo seems like such a great "security blanket" figure.